Figure 1 – Change in inbound FDI by destination (Apr–Sep 2025, year-on-year)
1.THE SURPRISING RESILIENCE OF ASIA'S FDIUNDER TRUMP 2.0 Despite being at the center of the tariff crossfire, Asia's FDl inflows have been notably more resilient than that of most regions. FDl to Asian countries declined Asia are deeply embedded in global value chains (GVCs) and should, in principle, be highly sensitive to tariff escalation. However, in practice - as we will discuss to higher trade barriers is more gradual. In contrast, North America was the hardest hit. North America's FDl inflows plunged by 58.6% as "reciprocal" tariffs disrupted cross-border supply chains and deterred foreign investors from entering a now more contested market. Meanwhile, the Middle East recorded sizable gains at over 80% increase year-on- aligned with the region's push to localize strategic manufacturing.